St. Paul, Minn. – Senator Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove) on March 26 recorded her first “yes” votes as a state senator. She joined DFL and Republican senators in unanimously approving new state employee contracts and an important first step in fixing Minnesota’s troubled pension fund.

“I am very pleased to support our outstanding state employees and make progress toward keeping our commitments to police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other retirees,” said Sen. Bigham.

As a result of ratifying state employee contracts, more than 35,000 state employees are receiving a raise. The contracts underwent an extensive negotiating process, are fair to employees, and are a good deal for Minnesota taxpayers. Governor Dayton signed the bill into law this week.